When Saki and Yusuke sat down at their desks, a peaceful silence filled the classroom.
Saki was wrapped in a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time — as if her heart had finally found a bit of calm.
She picked up her pen, and as she took notes, her mind felt clear.
Maybe, for the first time in a while, she could actually focus on a lesson.
Time slipped by like water.
When the bell rang, the teacher gathered their things and left the classroom.
One by one, the other students began to scatter as well.
Saki took a deep breath, a faint smile forming on her face.
Her stomach growled.
She stood up and walked over to Yusuke with lively steps.
"Let's find Miyuki and grab lunch, Yusuke," she said cheerfully.
Yusuke zipped up his bag and looked up.
"Sure, let's go."
They left the classroom together.
The hallway was crowded, but Saki's mind was on one thing only: food.
"Where do you think Miyuki is?" she asked curiously.
Yusuke shrugged. "No idea, Saki. You know how she is — could be anywhere."
Saki put a finger to her chin, thinking aloud.
"Then let's check the cafeteria first."
Yusuke chuckled softly. "Alright, but I hope we find her before the break ends. I might actually die of hunger."
Saki laughed — a bright, genuine laugh she hadn't made in a long time.
When they reached the cafeteria, they spotted Miyuki standing by the door, holding her music bag.
Saki turned to Yusuke and whispered, "Told you so."
Yusuke scratched his head and smiled. "Wow, guess my luck's off today."
They walked up to Miyuki.
She had her arms crossed, a playful scowl on her face.
"Where have you two been? You know I can't survive on an empty stomach!" she complained.
Saki grinned. "Relax, Miyuki, there's still food left."
Yusuke quickly chimed in, "If you want, I can make it up to you with some extra-spicy ramen tonight."
Miyuki's eyes sparkled, then narrowed teasingly.
"Only if you join the ramen challenge and pay nothing for it."
All three burst out laughing.
Between her laughter, Saki said, "You couldn't even finish one bowl last time — ended up in the hospital, remember?"
Miyuki couldn't hold back her laughter.
"Don't remind me! That was torture — I didn't even finish it!"
Yusuke smirked confidently.
"At least I didn't pass out from just the broth."
Saki and Miyuki laughed again, the sound blending with the cafeteria chatter.
For a moment, it felt like the chaos of school had vanished.
They got their meals and sat by the window.
Miyuki looked tired — she was eating slowly, lost in thought.
Yusuke joked again,
"Don't worry, Miyuki, this one's not spicy."
Miyuki tried to suppress her laughter, covering her mouth so she wouldn't spit out her food.
Saki, noticing the exhaustion on her face, asked softly,
"You look tired… something happen?"
Miyuki smiled faintly.
"We just had some extra practice at the club, that's all."
Then, her tone suddenly grew serious.
"By the way, Saki… Hiroki texted me. He said he's coming to school."
The table fell silent.
It was as if all the surrounding noise faded at once.
Saki's heart began to race.
A swirl of emotions welled up inside her, but she tried to keep her face calm.
"Alright, let him come," she said quietly, lowering her gaze.
Miyuki leaned forward.
"You're not planning to punish him, are you?"
Saki looked at her with a faint mix of sarcasm and sadness.
"No. Why would I? He's just… a normal friend."
Yusuke immediately cut in.
"How normal, exactly?"
Saki shot him a sharp look.
"As normal as it gets."
Miyuki tried to ease the tension.
"Maybe you should talk to him tomorrow — you might be able to forgive him."
Saki blinked, surprised.
"Tomorrow? Why tomorrow?"
Miyuki scratched her head.
"Oh, right! He said he'd be coming tomorrow in his message."
Something twisted in Saki's chest.
She wanted to ask, Why didn't he come sooner? — but she didn't.
She just whispered, "Okay."
Yusuke leaned back, grinning slightly.
"So, I guess forgiveness isn't that easy, huh?"
Miyuki turned to him sharply.
"Have you been forgiven for anything, Yusuke?"
Yusuke opened his mouth to respond, but Saki cut him off.
"I'm not angry at anyone… but I want you both to know — things won't ever be the same between me and Hiroki."
Her voice was firm, but her hands were trembling.
Her heart felt like it was stuck in her throat.
Miyuki stood up.
"Alright, the bell's about to ring. Let's go."
They all rose quietly.
None of them said a word.
As they walked down the hallway, only the echo of their footsteps filled the air.
Miyuki turned toward the music room, her bag slung over her shoulder.
Yusuke shoved his hands into his pockets, eyes fixed on the floor.
Saki slowed her pace.
Inside, that old, familiar emptiness began to return.
It felt as if happiness was something forbidden to her.
"These aren't your faults, Saki…" she whispered to herself.
But the words did little to heal the ache in her heart.
She thought about what she had said in the cafeteria — over and over.
Time passed quickly.
School was over.
On her way home, the sky was painted in shades of red and gold.
Saki slowed her steps as the wind played with her hair.
Her chest felt heavy.
Her room was quiet.
She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Her mind was a mess — so was her heart.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Why… why does it still hurt this much?"
A few more silent tears followed.
Then, she closed her eyes.
Maybe… sleep could dull the pain, even if just a little.
Saki was finding it hard to seek peace in the dark.
But sometimes, the quietest nights are the ones that lead to the brightest mornings.